Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

The story

Legendary purple honky tonk behind the Ryman where Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline drank between Opry sets.

Everything that was here

• 1960–present · still open

  Tootsie's Orchid LoungeHonky Tonk

  Legendary purple honky tonk behind the Ryman where Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline drank between Opry sets.

  See the map in 1961 →
• 2000–2026

  Second FiddleBar

  One of the last family-owned honky tonks on Broadway played its final chord on New Year's Day 2026.

  See the map in 2001 →
• 2000–2026

  The Second FiddleBar

  One of the last family-owned honky tonks on Lower Broadway closed on New Year's Day 2026 after 25 years of preserving traditional country music.

  See the map in 2001 →
• 1950–1960

  Mom'sBar

  This obscure honky tonk was accidentally painted purple, creating the world-famous Tootsie's Orchid Lounge.

  See the map in 1951 →
• 1950–1960

  Mom's BarBar

  This modest 1950s tavern was transformed into Tootsie's Orchid Lounge after a painter accidentally painted the entire building purple.

  See the map in 1951 →

Nearby history